The students of Hogwarts were all buzzing. In between classes it was all anyone would talk about. Two missing students. One being a champion in the current Triwizard tournament.

One student, Tracy Davis, was absolutely beside herself. Her best friend had been missing for several days now. The staff was aware and yet nothing. She had seen Daphne's mom the other day but hadn't had much time to speak with her before the woman left.

Tracy wanted answers. Her best friend was missing, and nobody seemed to know where she was or doing anything to find her. Tracy had no clue what to do, which is how she found herself on the shore of the black lake. She was writing a letter to send to Daphne. While she was at it she wrote Daphne's mom.

Meanwhile, in another part of the castle Hermione was attempting to keep focused on her book. It was a failing endeavor. Harry was gone, and she had no idea if he would ever come back. Even if he did she knew theyd never be as close. She had made a choice before he left. She simply opted to remove herself from the conflict between the two boys. Admittedly she should've shown Harry more support.

She knows that he isn't one to go looking for trouble. But honestly after the whole time-turner thing she went through last year she was rather spent on adventure and whatnot. She simply didn't want to get involved in something so soon, so she back out of the drama between Ron and Harry. She figured they'd work it out soon enough.

Ron was another story. He realized very quickly he was wrong. He cursed his stupid pride, his ignorant jealousy. He had been trying to work up the courage to apologize. He wish Hermione would help him apologize but she made it clear she'd have no part in this. Not wanting to give up Ron made his way to his dorm to write a letter. He would apologize to Harry one way or another, whether Harry forgave him or not was another matter entirely.

Ron sighed heavily. He'd send the letter off later. Right now he figured he owed Hermione an apology as well. What he wouldn't give to have Harry's map right now. It was roughly an hour later when he found her on the way to the library.

"Hermione, wait up"

Hermione turned to see Ron walking up to her with a peculiar look upon his face. The reason for said look was made clear as he got close enough.

"I'm sorry Hermione, it wasn't right of me to expect you to pick sides in a fight between Harry and I. It was selfish and rude. I realized that the way i acted is not the kind of person i want to be. So I've got quite a bit of work to do but I'm trying to be better." he said

Hermione for her part was rather shocked. She was slightly ashamed to admit she never expected such maturity from Ron.

"Ron I'll freely admit I didn't expect this from you at all, so to be frank I'm not sure how to repsond."

"That's fine, just give me a chance to prove myself, you'll see that I'm serious."

"Alright Ron, show me that you mean it."

"Lets head down to dinner yea? I'm starving." Ron said with his usual smile.

With an exasperated shake of her head Hermione followed Ron down to the great hall. Things were different, Ron was being mature, Harry was missing, she figured she'd just deal with it one step at a time.

-TGC-

"Goldaxe, thank you for seeing me. I hope you are well."

"Of course, Mrs. Greengrass. Silvertooth had informed me of your visit. I do apologize, but I had a prior engagement to deal with. Now, what is it you wished to speak to me about?"

"I wish to speak to Mr. Potter, and as far as I know, you are the only one who can contact him directly."

"You are indeed correct that I am able to contact him, but it shall take time. Shall I notify you when Mr. Potter is available?"

"Yes that would be most appreciated. By any chance would you know how long it'll take for Mr. Potter to be available, I'm afraid the matter is slightly time sensitive is all."

"Unfortunately, I do not. Luckily for you, I already need to contact Mr. Potter and I'll be more than happy to pass along your request for a meeting."

"Many thanks, Goldaxe. I believe I'll let you get back to work."

With that, Tora left the office. Goldaxe wrote his missive and sent it off.

AN: *sigh* i would apologize for such a late update but ive been living in my car the past few months. i barely had the urge to write. but the muse is slowly coming back so ill slowly be updating again, the next chapter will probably be an update with hogwarts staff and more plot progression with harry and daphne